Training Apparatus

ABSTRACT

Training apparatuses are provided that include a substantially spherical, hollow shell formed from a pair of hemispherical portions. The hemispherical portions may each include an annular peripheral edge having a fastening mechanism, which may be adapted to provide rigidity and structure to the training apparatus. At least one hemispherical portion may further include a number of protrusions extending along an inner surface from the peripheral edge, the protrusions configured to provide structural support and durability to the training apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 62/787,526, titled “Training Apparatus,” filed Jan.2, 2019, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Medicine balls are widely used to develop and rehabilitate musclestrength and stability. These versatile training apparatuses aremanipulated by users in various ways, including lifting, throwing,compressing and catching exercises. As such, medicine balls may beemployed to perform a full spectrum of activities, includingcoordination training, toning and isolation.

The nature of using medicine balls generally involves subjecting suchapparatuses to repeated and significant physical impact. Unfortunately,currently available medicine balls lack long-term durability andtypically fail to maintain their shape over time.

There is therefore a need for medicine balls that maintain usability inthe face of wide-ranging and repeated physical impact. It would bebeneficial if such training apparatuses could be designed to resiststructural changes that would otherwise result from this type of use.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the foregoing objectives and others, durable trainingapparatuses are disclosed herein. The inventive training apparatuses mayinclude substantially hemispherical top and bottom portions that may bejoined together to form a substantially spherical, hollow shell. Each ofthe top and bottom portions may include a substantially flat, annularperipheral edge on its bottom surface. The peripheral edge of eachportion may extend a distance from an outer surface to an inner surfaceof the respective portion. The annular peripheral edges of the top andbottom portions may also include complementary fastening mechanisms toallow the top portion to be securely joined to the bottom portion. Forexample, the top and bottom portions may include one or more apertures,which may be adapted to securely hold a dowel within. Accordingly, thefastening mechanism may be adapted to provide further resilience andstrength to the training apparatus. Each of the top and bottom portionsmay also include one or more weighted protrusions on its inner surface,where the weighted protrusions may provide additional structural supportand durability to the training apparatus.

In one embodiment, a training apparatus is provided that includes asubstantially spherical, hollow shell defining an interior compartment.The shell may include a pair of substantially hemispherical portions,where each portion may each include: a continuous outer surface, acontinuous inner surface, an annular peripheral edge extending adistance from the outer surface to (or beyond) the inner surface, andone or more protrusions extending along the inner surface from theannular peripheral edge toward a center of the respective portion. Theannular peripheral edges of each portion may further includecomplementary fastening mechanisms such that the annular peripheraledges of the substantially hemispherical portions may be fastenedtogether to form the substantially spherical shell.

The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter of thisspecification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and thedescription below. Other features, aspects and advantages of the subjectmatter will become apparent from the description, the drawings and theclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1B show an exemplary training apparatus 100 comprising a topportion 110 joined to a bottom portion 120.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the exemplary training apparatus 100,where the top portion 110 and the bottom portion 120 may be joinedtogether via a fastening mechanism 130.

FIGS. 3A-3B show inner surfaces 140, 150 of the top portion 110 and thebottom portion 120, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various training apparatuses are disclosed herein that are able tosustain repeated, high-intensity impact while retaining their structureand usability, thus making them desirable for use across a broad rangeof exercises. The training apparatus may comprise a substantiallyspherical, hollow shell formed by joining a top hemispherical portionand a bottom hemispherical portion. Each of the top and bottom portionsmay further include a substantially flat, annular peripheral edge. Theannular peripheral edge of each portion may extend from an outer surfaceto an inner surface thereof. And each annular peripheral edge mayinclude complementary fastening mechanisms adapted to allow the top andbottom portions to be joined together to provide support for thetraining apparatus. In one embodiment, the fastening mechanism maycomprise a plurality of aligned apertures, where each aperture isadapted to receive a dowel therein.

In certain embodiments, each of the top and bottom portions may furtherinclude a number of protrusions extending along its inner surface, fromabout its annular peripheral edge toward a center of the respectiveportion. The protrusions may vary in length and/or height, and suchprotrusions may further provide rigidity, structural support and/orlong-term durability for the training apparatus.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1B, top and bottom perspective views of anexemplary training apparatus 100 are illustrated, respectively. Asshown, the training apparatus 100 comprises a top portion 110 joined toa bottom portion 120. The top portion 110 may comprise an outer surface111, which may include a smooth portion and an outer treading 113. Thebottom portion 120 may similarly comprise an outer surface 121, whichmay include a smooth portion and an outer treading 123.

In one embodiment, the top portion 110 and the bottom portion 120 mayeach comprise a substantially hemispherical shape, and therefore may bejoined together at their respective bottom surfaces to form a trainingapparatus having a substantially spherical, hollow shell.

Generally, the top portion 110 and the bottom portion 120 may eachcomprise any material(s) that will allow the shell to withstand repeatedand significant impact, while substantially returning to its sphericalshape. As such, the top 110 and bottom 120 portions may comprise amaterial having a tear strength of at least 20 KN/m, and morepreferably, at least 25 KN/m.

Tear strength may be measured according to specification ASTM D624(incorporated by reference herein in its entirety). Under thisspecification, a tearing strain (and stress) is applied to a testspecimen by means of a tensile testing machine operated withoutinterruption at a constant rate of crosshead traverse until the specimenis completely torn. This test method measures the force per unitthickness required to rupture, initiate, or propagate a tear through asheet of rubber in the form of one of several test piece geometries. Fora “Type A” geometry, a razor-nicked test piece with a crescent shape isused and the force acts in a direction substantially along the majoraxis (length) and perpendicular to the “nick”, or razor cut. For a “TypeB” geometry, a razor-nicked test piece with a crescent shape and withtab ends is used and the force acts in a direction substantially alongthe major axis (length) and perpendicular to the “nick,” or razor cut.For a “Type C” geometry, an un-nicked test piece with a 90° angle on oneside and with tab ends is used and the force acts on the test piece in adirection substantially parallel to the tab ends of the specimen (45° tothe 90° center angle) in the direction of grip separation. For a “TypeT” geometry, a trouser tear test piece is used and the force is appliedin a direction parallel to the length of both legs. And, for a “Type CP”geometry a modified trouser tear test piece with a constrained path forthe tear is used and the force is applied parallel to the length of bothlegs; the constrained path prevents the tear from propagating away fromthis path, and the thicker legs eliminate the influence of leg extensionwhich may occur with Type T test pieces.

In any event, the tear strength may be calculated according to thefollowing equation:

T _(s) =F/d

where:

-   -   F=the maximum force (N); and    -   d=the median thickness of each test piece (mm).

The top 110 and bottom 120 portions may comprise a material having atensile strength of at least about 6 MPa, and more preferably at leastabout 7 MPa. Tensile strength is calculated by dividing the load atbreak by the original minimum cross-sectional area. Tensile strength maybe determined according to standard ASTM D412 (incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

In one embodiment, the top 110 and bottom 120 portions may comprise amaterial having a minimum elongation of at least about 500% and morepreferably at least about 550%. Elongation may be determined accordingto standard ASTM D1456 (incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety). It will be appreciated that percent elongation is calculatedby dividing the elongation at the moment of rupture by the initial gaugelength and multiplying by 100.

In one embodiment, the material of the top and/or bottom portions maycomprise rubber to promote elasticity and movement. In otherembodiments, the material of the top portion and/or the bottom portionmay be selected from the group consisting of: nylon, vinyl, leather,polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, and neoprene.

In certain embodiments, the outer surface 111, 121 of the portions 110,120 may comprise one or more high-strength rubbers, such asethylene-propylene-diene rubber (“EPDM”) and/or butadiene rubber (“BR”).It will be appreciated that the top portion 110 and bottom portion 120may each comprise the same or substantially similar material(s).

In one embodiment, hollow shell of the training apparatus 100 maycomprise a circumference of from about 8 inches to about 44 inches. Forexample, the shell may comprise a circumference of about 8 inches, about10 inches, about 15 inches, about 20 inches, about 25 inches, about 30inches, about 35 inches, about 40 inches or about 44 inches.

The shell of may define an interior compartment adapted to hold a volumeof from about 30 cubic inches to around 1800 cubic inches, for exampleabout 33 cubic inches, 322 cubic inches, and about 1768 cubic inches.The volume may also vary based on an elasticity of the material of theshell, a thickness of the shell (discussed in detail below), and/or anamount of weighted material contained within the interior department(also discussed in detail below.)

In certain embodiments, the shell of the training apparatus 100 maycomprise a total weight of from about 5 pounds to about 50 pounds. Forexample, the shell may comprise a total weight of about 5 pounds, about10 pounds, about 15 pounds, about 20 pounds, about 25 pounds, about 30pounds, about 35 pounds, about 40 pounds, about 45 pounds, or about 50pounds.

It will be appreciated that the interior compartment of the trainingapparatus 100 may be adapted to hold one or more weighted materialswithin. In one embodiment, the interior compartment of the trainingapparatus may be empty. In other embodiments, the interior compartmentmay be filled with a weighted material, such as but not limited to:iron, rubber, gel, sand, salt, rice, water, and/or combinations thereof.

The outer surface 111, 121 of the top and bottom portions 110, 120 maybe adapted to allow for ease of cleaning and for avoidance of damage tosurfaces on which the training apparatus is used. To that end, the outersurface 111, 121 may be substantially smooth.

In one embodiment, the outer surface 111, 121 of the top and/or bottomportions may comprise an outer treading 113, 123. Such outer treading113, 123 may be adapted to allow for ease of grip and contact by a userand may thus comprise an uneven surface to increase friction. The outertreading 113, 123 may comprise grooves, protrusions, ridges, bumps, etc.It will be appreciated that the outer surface of the top and bottomportions may include other means to allow for ease of grip by the user,such as one or more handles, grips, apertures, etc.

The outer surface 111, 121 of the top 110 and bottom 120 portions maycomprise any number of decorative and/or informative visual elements. Inan exemplary embodiment, the outer surface 111, 121 includes adecorative band about the outer treading 113, 123. In other embodiments,the outer surface 111, 121 may include one or more colors, lines,shapes, stripes, text, pictorial elements, etc. For example, the outersurface may include text to indicate a brand, a weight, a diameterand/or other relevant information pertaining to the training apparatus.

Referring to FIGS. 2-3B, various internal features of the exemplarytraining apparatus 100 are illustrated. FIG. 2 shows an exploded view ofthe training apparatus 100 and FIGS. 3A-3B show the inner surfaces 140,150 of the top portion 110 and bottom portion 120, respectively.

As shown, each substantially hemispherical portion 110, 120 may includesubstantially continuous inner 140, 150 and outer surfaces 111, 121 andan annular peripheral edge 115, 125 extending therebetween. The annularperipheral edge 115, 125 may extend a distance that is equal to, orslightly more than, the thickness of the portion 110, 120 (i.e., thedistance between the inner surface 122 and outer surface 121).

In certain embodiments, the thickness of the top 110 and/or bottom 120portion may be from about 0.25 inches to about 1.5 inches. For example,the thickness of each portion 110, 120 may be about 0.25 inches, about0.5 inches, about 0.75 inches, about 1 inch, about 1.25 inches, or about1.5 inches. It will be appreciated that the thickness of the top portion110 will typically be the same as the thickness of the bottom portion120 such that the shell of the training apparatus 100 comprises asubstantially continuous structure when the portions are joined.

In certain embodiments, the annular peripheral edge 115, 125 of eachportion 110, 120 may be substantially flat and may extend a distanceequal to from about 100% to about 300% of the thickness of therespective portion (e.g., about 100%, about 150%, about 200%, about250%, or about 300%). Accordingly, the peripheral edge 115, 125 mayextend a distance of from about 0.25 inches to about 1.5 inches (e.g.,about 0.25 inches, about 0.5 inches, about 0.75 inches, about 1 inch,about 1.25 inches, or about 1.5 inches). In one particular embodiment,the annular peripheral edge 115, 125 of each portion 110, 120 may extenda distance of about 1 inch. It will be appreciated that the annularperipheral edge of each portion may be substantially similar in size andshape such that the top and bottom portions may be securely joinedtogether along their respective edges.

The annular peripheral edge 115, 125 of each portion 110, 120 mayinclude a complementary fastening mechanism adapted to allow such edgesto be joined together and to provide structural support and durability.In one embodiment, the fastening mechanism may comprise a plurality ofapertures 116, 126, each having a substantially similar size/shape andeach adapted to securely receive a dowel 130 therewithin. To that end,each of the plurality of apertures 116, 126 may comprise a substantiallycylindrical shape, with a closed bottom surface and an open top surface.The apertures may each comprise a radius of from about 4 inches to about10 inches (e.g., about 4 inches, about 5 inches, about 6 inches, about 7inches, about 8 inches, about 9 inches, or about 10 inches) and a height(i.e., depth) of from about 12 inches to about 17 inches (e.g., about 12inches, about 13 inches, about 14 inches, about 15 inches, about 16inches or about 17 inches). The plurality of apertures located on eachportion may comprise from about 4 apertures to about 20 apertures (e.g.,about 4 apertures, about 6 apertures, about 8 apertures, about 10apertures, about 12 apertures, about 14 apertures, about 16 apertures,about 18 apertures or about 20 apertures). In one embodiment, theplurality of apertures 116, 126 may be evenly spaced, with from about 1inch to about 3 inches between each aperture (e.g., about 1 inch, about1.5 inches, about 2 inches, about 2.5 inches or about 3 inches).

It will be appreciated that the dowels 130 may be inserted into, andsecurely retained by, the apertures 116, 126. Accordingly, each of thedowels 130 may comprise a substantially cylindrical shape, with a radiusthat is about equal to that of the apertures 116, 126 and a height thatis about equal to one half the height/depth of the apertures. Each ofthe dowels 130 may comprise one or more materials selected from thegroup consisting of: wood, metal, plastic, etc. In one embodiment, anadhesive, such as glue, rubber adhesive, etc., may be applied to a dowelwhen it is inserted into an aperture to ensure that it is retainedwithin the aperture. Such adhesive (or a different adhesive) mayadditionally or alternatively be applied to one or both annularperipheral edges 115, 125 when they are joined together.

Generally, the top 110 and bottom 120 portions may be joined together bymeans of the fastening mechanism. In one embodiment, the portions may bejoined by inserting dowels 130 into the apertures of a first portion(e.g., apertures 126 of the bottom portion 120), aligning the aperturesof a second portion (e.g., apertures 116 of the top portion 110) withthose of the first portion, and pressing the two portions together suchthat each of the dowels 130 is seated within a pair of alignedapertures.

It will be appreciated that additional or alternative fasteningmechanisms may be employed to secure the top 110 and bottom 120portions. In one embodiment, a second fastening mechanism may beemployed, such as but not limited to, rubber adhesive applied to theannular peripheral edges 115, 125 of the top 110 and/or bottom 120portions. In other embodiments, alternative fastening mechanisms may beemployed, such as but not limited to: glue, tape, hook & loop fasteners,snaps, other adhesives, etc. In yet other embodiments, the top 110 andbottom 120 portions may be integrally joined together by sonic orultrasonic welding. And in another embodiment, the fastening mechanismmay be located on the outer and/or inner surface of the top 110 andbottom 120 portions.

In one embodiment, the material of the inner surfaces 140, 150 of thetop 110 and bottom 120 portions may comprise a high-density naturalrubber (“NR”) and/or isoprene rubber (“IR”). It will be appreciated thatthe inner surfaces of the top and bottom portions may comprise the sameor substantially similar material(s).

In an exemplary embodiment, the inner surfaces 140, 150 may include oneor more protrusions 141, 151. Generally, such protrusions 141, 151 maybe adapted to provide rigidity and additional structural support to theshell of the training apparatus. The protrusions 141, 151 may extendfrom the annular peripheral edge 115, 125 of each portion 110, 120towards a center of the respective portion, along the inner surface 140,150 thereof. Preferably, the protrusions 141, 151 may be integral to theinner surfaces 140, 150 of the portions 110, 120. However, in otherembodiments, the protrusions may be attached or adhered to suchsurfaces.

As shown, the protrusions 141, 151 may vary in length. For example, theplurality of protrusions 141, 151 may comprise any number of centralprotrusions 141 a, 151 a, short protrusions 141 b, 151 b, and/or longprotrusions 141 c, 151 c. The central protrusions 141 a, 141 b mayextend from a first point on or near the annular peripheral edge 115,125, through the center of the respective portion 110, 120, and to asecond point on the opposite side of the annular peripheral edge.Accordingly, the central protrusions 141 a, 141 b may each extend alength equal to about half the circumference of the shell (e.g., fromabout 4 inches to around 22 inches).

The short protrusions 141 b, 151 b and long protrusions 141 c, 151 c mayeach extend along the inner surface of each portion, from the annularperipheral edge 115, 125 toward the center of the respective portion110, 120. The short protrusions 141 b, 151 b may extend a length equalto from about 1/20 to less than about ⅛ the circumference of the shell(e.g., from about 4 inch to about 6 inches). The long protrusions 141 c,151 c may extend a length equal to from about ⅛ to about ¼ thecircumference of the shell (e.g., from about 6 inches to about 10inches).

Each of the protrusions 141, 151 may extend a height from about 0.1inches to about 1 inch. For example, one or more of the protrusions maycomprise a height of about 0.1 inches, about 0.2 inches, about 0.3inches, about 0.4 inches, about 0.5 inches, about 0.6 inches, about 0.7inches, about 0.8 inches, about 0.9 inches, or about 1 inch. It will beappreciated that the each of the protrusions may comprise the sameheight or may comprise different heights. In one embodiment, each of thecentral protrusions 141 a, 151 a comprise a first height; each of theshort protrusions 141 b, 151 b comprise a second height; and each of thelong protrusions 141 c, 151 c comprise a third height.

In one embodiment, each portion 110, 120 may comprise from about 1 toabout 4 central protrusions 141 a, 151 a (e.g., about 1, about 2, about3 or about 4); from about 8 to about 16 short protrusions 141 b, 151 b(e.g., about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11 or about 12); and/or fromabout 4 to about 8 long protrusions 141 c, 151 c (e.g., about 4, about5, about 6, about 7 or about 8). In one specific embodiment, eachportion 110, 120 comprises 2 central protrusions, 12 short protrusionsand 6 long protrusions. In other embodiments, there may be fewer or moretotal protrusions and/or fewer or more of any given type of protrusions.

Generally, the inner surfaces 140, 150 and protrusions 141, 151 may beadapted to increase the mass of the training apparatus and/or toincrease the durability/stability of the apparatus. It will beappreciated that the density of the inner surfaces, the size of theprotrusions and/or the number of protrusions may be adjusted to providea desired total mass of the training apparatus.

Various embodiments are described in this specification, with referenceto the detailed discussed above, the accompanying drawings, and theclaims. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thoroughunderstanding of various embodiments. However, in certain instances,well-known or conventional details are not described in order to providea concise discussion. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and somefeatures may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particularcomponents. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as abasis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching oneskilled in the art to variously employ the embodiments. In this regard,directional terminology, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,”“bottom,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” etc., is used with referenceto the orientation of the drawing(s) being described. Because componentsof the embodiments can be positioned in a number of differentorientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes ofillustration and is in no way limiting.

The embodiments described and claimed herein and drawings areillustrative and are not to be construed as limiting the embodiments.The subject matter of this specification is not to be limited in scopeby the specific examples, as these examples are intended asillustrations of several aspects of the embodiments. Any equivalentexamples are intended to be within the scope of the specification.Indeed, various modifications of the disclosed embodiments in additionto those shown and described herein will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art, and such modifications are also intended to fallwithin the scope of the appended claims.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details,these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of anyinvention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions offeatures that may be specific to particular embodiments of particularinventions. Certain features that are described in this specification inthe context of separate embodiments can also be implemented incombination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features thatare described in the context of a single embodiment can also beimplemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitablesubcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, oneor more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excisedfrom the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

All references including patents, patent applications and publicationscited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety andfor all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication orpatent or patent application was specifically and individually indicatedto be incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purpose.

What is claimed is:
 1. A training apparatus comprising: a substantiallyspherical, hollow shell defining an interior compartment, the shellcomprising: a pair of substantially hemispherical portions each portioncomprising: a continuous outer surface; a continuous inner surface; anannular peripheral edge extending a thickness from the outer surface tothe inner surface, the annular peripheral edge comprising a fasteningmechanism; a plurality of protrusions extending along the inner surfacefrom the annular peripheral edge toward a center of the respectiveportion; wherein the annular peripheral edges of the substantiallyhemispherical portions are fastened together via the fasteningmechanisms to form the substantially spherical shell.
 2. A trainingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusionscomprises one or more central protrusions extending through the centerof the respective portion, from a first point on the annular peripheraledge to a second point on the annular peripheral edge.
 3. A trainingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusionscomprises one or more short protrusions extending a length equal to fromabout 1/20 to less than about ⅛ of a circumference of the shell.
 4. Atraining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality ofprotrusions comprises one or more long protrusions extending a lengthequal to from about ⅛ to about ¼ of a circumference of the shell.
 5. Atraining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality ofprotrusions comprises: one or more central protrusions extending alength equal to about ½ of a circumference of the shell; one or moreshort protrusions extending a length equal to from about 1/20 to lessthan about ⅛ the circumference of the shell; and one or more longprotrusions extending a length equal to from about ⅛ to about ¼ thecircumference of the shell.
 6. A training apparatus according to claim5, wherein the plurality of protrusions comprises: 2 centralprotrusions; 12 short protrusions; and 6 long protrusions.
 7. A trainingapparatus according to claim 5, wherein each of the plurality ofprotrusions comprises a height of from about 0.1 inches to about 1 inch.8. A training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fasteningmechanism comprises a plurality of apertures, each of the aperturesadapted to securely hold a dowel therewithin.
 9. A training apparatusaccording to claim 8, wherein the fastening mechanism further comprisesa rubber adhesive.
 10. A training apparatus according to claim 1,wherein each of the portions comprises a thickness of from about 0.5inches to about 2 inches.
 11. A training apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the portions each comprise one or more materials selected fromthe group consisting of: rubber, nylon, vinyl, leather, polyurethane,polyvinyl chloride, and neoprene.
 12. A training apparatus according toclaim 11, wherein the portions each comprise rubber.
 13. A trainingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shell comprises acircumference of from about 8 inches to about 44 inches.
 14. A trainingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the interior compartmentcomprises a volume of from about 30 cubic inches to about 1800 cubicinches.
 15. A training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theinterior compartment is adapted to hold one or more weighted materialstherein.
 16. A training apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the oneor more weighted materials are selected from the group consisting of:iron, rubber, gel, sand, salt, rice, and water.
 17. A training apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the shell comprises a weight of from about5 pounds to about 30 pounds.